What expenses are covered alongside respite foster care pay?

Respite foster care pay may be accompanied by approved reimbursements for costs that arise specifically because a child is staying with you. The fostering allowance will usually cover ordinary day-to-day care, while additional expenses are considered separately where they are necessary, reasonable and agreed with the fostering provider.

Common expenses can include:

• Food and personal items: meals, snacks and drinks, toiletries, nappies or other age-related essentials where these are not already covered through the usual allowance arrangements.
• Clothing and equipment: items needed during the placement, such as clothing, school items, bedding or specialist equipment. The provider may decide whether to reimburse the cost, supply the item directly or include it within the placement allowance.
• Travel: mileage or public transport for approved journeys connected with the child’s care. This can include travel to school, appointments, contact arrangements, activities or handovers, depending on the placement plan.
• Activities and leisure: agreed costs for clubs, outings or activities that are suitable for the child and form part of their care plan. Approval may be needed before booking or paying for these.
• Education and appointments: reasonable costs linked to school requirements, educational activities, health appointments or other arrangements set out by the placing authority or fostering service.
• Communication and practical arrangements: in some placements, there may be agreed costs for telephone contact, specialist care items or other practical arrangements required to support the child safely.

Not every cost incurred during respite care is treated as an additional expense. Ordinary household spending, such as rent, mortgage payments, utility bills and general furnishings, is not normally reimbursed as a placement-specific expense. The position can differ where an item is needed solely because of the child’s individual needs, so ask the supervising social worker before making a substantial purchase.

The way expenses are handled depends on the fostering provider, the child’s care plan and the terms agreed for that placement. Some costs may be built into the fostering allowance; others may require prior authorisation and a receipt. In certain cases, the provider or local authority may arrange payment directly rather than asking the carer to claim it back. A respite carer should therefore establish the arrangements before the placement begins, particularly for travel, activities, specialist equipment and contact-related journeys.

Before spending, check:

• which costs are already included in the agreed respite payment;
• which expenses need written approval in advance;
• whether there is a spending limit or preferred supplier;
• what evidence is required, such as receipts, tickets or mileage records;
• when and how an approved claim will be paid; and
• who should be contacted if an unexpected expense arises.

Keep receipts and a simple record showing the date, purpose and amount of each claim. If the child has specific dietary, medical, mobility or educational requirements, raise these during the placement discussion so that the likely costs and funding arrangements are clear. This helps distinguish agreed child-related expenses from normal household spending and reduces the risk of an expense being declined because it was not authorised.

Tax treatment can also depend on the type of payment and the rules applying to foster carers, so do not assume that an expense reimbursement is treated in exactly the same way as the fostering allowance. Keep the payment records supplied by the provider and seek current guidance if you need to complete a tax return or clarify your individual position.